This Twenty20 series has fluctuated in a near miniature version of the Test series between Australia and South Africa earlier this year. The visitors were commanding in game one, the hosts domineering in game two. What remains to be seen is whether the script will be maintained, with the tourists finding their feet in time to deliver the knock out blow in the decider. South Africa's captain JP Duminy has termed the swings and roundabouts an education - he will hope his men have learned enough by now.

Australia's victory at the MCG was based on the classical combination of energetic pace bowling and nifty wrist spin twirled down by Cameron Boyce. Their combination limited South Africa to a tally they had no real hope of defending, and so the securing of a better start will be critical for Duminy's team. The hosts also benefited from the promotion of Ben Dunk to open in place of Cameron White, allowing the batsman-keeper to play in the role with which he is most familiar.

Sydney's Olympic Stadium has notably short straight boundaries, favouring batsmen who can drive powerfully and straight. The drop-in pitch can often be a somewhat slow and amenable to variations from seamers, so there may be the odd slower ball bouncer delivered on Sunday.

(Cricinfo)